If you create tutorials, guides, or how-to content, there’s a powerful way to make your instructions stand out in Google search: HowTo schema markup. This structured data allows Google to display your step-by-step instructions directly in search results.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to implement HowTo schema effectively.

What is HowTo Schema?

HowTo schema is structured data that describes a set of instructions for completing a task. It tells search engines:

What task the instructions accomplish
The steps involved
Time required
Tools and materials needed
Associated costs

When properly implemented, Google can display your instructions as expandable steps right in the search results.

How HowTo Rich Results Look

HowTo rich results display as:

Expandable steps - Users can see each step without visiting your site
Time indicators - Total time to complete
Images per step - Visual guidance for each step
Tools and supplies - What’s needed before starting

When to Use HowTo Schema

HowTo schema is appropriate for:

DIY tutorials - Home improvement, crafts
Technical guides - Software installation, setup
Process explanations - How to apply, register, etc.
Instructional content - Educational how-to articles
Troubleshooting guides - Step-by-step fixes

When NOT to Use HowTo

Don’t use HowTo schema for:

Recipe content (use Recipe schema instead)
FAQ content (use FAQ schema)
General articles that don’t contain instructions
Product pages
News articles

Required Properties

The minimum requirements:

name - What the instructions accomplish
step - The HowToStep objects

Recommended Properties

For comprehensive HowTo markup:

description - Overview of the task
image - Image of the finished result
totalTime - Total time to complete
estimatedCost - Approximate cost
supply - Materials needed
tool - Tools required

Complete HowTo Schema Example

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "HowTo",
  "name": "How to Change a Flat Tire",
  "description": "Complete guide to safely changing a flat tire on your car. No experience needed.",
  "image": {
    "@type": "ImageObject",
    "url": "https://example.com/photos/tire-change-complete.jpg",
    "height": 800,
    "width": 1200
  },
  "totalTime": "PT30M",
  "estimatedCost": {
    "@type": "MonetaryAmount",
    "currency": "USD",
    "value": "0"
  },
  "supply": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToSupply",
      "name": "Spare tire"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToSupply",
      "name": "Work gloves"
    }
  ],
  "tool": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToTool",
      "name": "Car jack"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToTool",
      "name": "Lug wrench"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToTool",
      "name": "Wheel wedges"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToTool",
      "name": "Flashlight"
    }
  ],
  "step": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Find a safe location",
      "text": "Pull over to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and apply the parking brake.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step1-safe-location.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step1"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Secure the vehicle",
      "text": "Place wheel wedges behind the tires to prevent rolling. If changing a rear tire, place wedges in front of the front tires.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step2-wheel-wedges.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step2"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Loosen the lug nuts",
      "text": "Using the lug wrench, turn each lug nut counterclockwise until you break their resistance. Don't remove them completely yet.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step3-loosen-nuts.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step3"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Position the jack",
      "text": "Place the jack under the vehicle frame near the flat tire. Check your owner's manual for the correct jack placement.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step4-jack-position.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step4"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Raise the vehicle",
      "text": "Raise the jack until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground. Never put any part of your body under the vehicle.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step5-raise-vehicle.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step5"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Remove the flat tire",
      "text": "Fully remove the lug nuts and pull the flat tire straight toward you to remove it from the wheel base.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step6-remove-tire.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step6"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Mount the spare tire",
      "text": "Place the spare tire on the wheel base and push gently until the lug bolts show through the rim.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step7-mount-spare.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step7"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Tighten the lug nuts",
      "text": "Put the lug nuts back on and tighten them by hand. Once they're all on, tighten them with the wrench in a star pattern.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step8-tighten-nuts.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step8"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Lower the vehicle",
      "text": "Lower the jack until the tire touches the ground but the full weight isn't on it. Tighten the lug nuts as much as possible.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step9-lower-vehicle.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step9"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Final check",
      "text": "Lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack. Give the lug nuts a final tightening. Check the tire pressure.",
      "image": "https://example.com/photos/step10-final-check.jpg",
      "url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step10"
    }
  ]
}

Time Format

Use ISO 8601 duration format:

PT15M = 15 minutes
PT1H = 1 hour
PT2H30M = 2 hours 30 minutes
P1D = 1 day

Grouping Steps into Sections

For complex tutorials, use HowToSection:

"step": [
  {
    "@type": "HowToSection",
    "name": "Preparation",
    "itemListElement": [
      {
        "@type": "HowToStep",
        "text": "Gather all materials"
      },
      {
        "@type": "HowToStep",
        "text": "Set up your workspace"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "@type": "HowToSection",
    "name": "Assembly",
    "itemListElement": [
      {
        "@type": "HowToStep",
        "text": "Connect part A to part B"
      }
    ]
  }
]

Tools and Supplies

Distinguish between tools (reusable) and supplies (consumable):

Tools

"tool": [
  {
    "@type": "HowToTool",
    "name": "Screwdriver"
  },
  {
    "@type": "HowToTool",
    "name": "Measuring tape"
  }
]

Supplies

"supply": [
  {
    "@type": "HowToSupply",
    "name": "Wood glue"
  },
  {
    "@type": "HowToSupply",
    "name": "Sandpaper (120 grit)"
  }
]

Step Images

Include images for each step when possible:

{
  "@type": "HowToStep",
  "name": "Cut the wood",
  "text": "Using your saw, cut the board to 24 inches.",
  "image": {
    "@type": "ImageObject",
    "url": "https://example.com/step3.jpg",
    "width": 1200,
    "height": 800
  }
}

HowTo vs Recipe Schema

Use the right schema:

Content Type	Schema
Cooking instructions	Recipe
Baking tutorials	Recipe
DIY crafts	HowTo
Home repair	HowTo
Software setup	HowTo
Workout routines	HowTo

Best Practices

1. Clear Step Descriptions

Each step should be specific and actionable. Avoid vague instructions.

2. Accurate Time Estimates

Be realistic about how long each task takes.

3. Complete Tool Lists

Include everything users need before starting.

4. Quality Images

Use clear, well-lit images showing each step.

5. Logical Order

Steps should follow a logical sequence that builds on previous steps.

Common Mistakes

1. Missing Steps

Don’t skip steps that seem obvious. Be thorough.

2. Combining Multiple Steps

Each HowToStep should be one discrete action.

3. Wrong Schema Type

Don’t use HowTo for recipes or FAQs.

4. No Images

Steps without images are less engaging.

5. Inaccurate Times

Underestimating time frustrates users.

Generate Your HowTo Schema

Use our free HowTo Schema Generator to create valid markup for your tutorials.

Enter your:

Tutorial title and description
Total time
Tools and supplies
Step-by-step instructions

Get properly formatted JSON-LD ready to add to your tutorial pages.

Measuring Success

Track these metrics:

Search Console

Rich result impressions
Click-through rate
Position for how-to queries

Analytics

Traffic to tutorial pages
Time on page
Step completion (if tracked)

Conclusion

HowTo schema is perfect for tutorial and instructional content. It allows Google to display your steps directly in search results, providing value to users and driving traffic to your site.

Focus on comprehensive, well-illustrated steps. The more helpful your instructions, the better they’ll perform in search.

Start with your most popular tutorials, implement HowTo schema, and expand across your instructional content.

Need help creating optimized tutorial content? I can help you implement HowTo schema and improve your content strategy. Get in touch for a consultation.